Room With A View

There’s the old chestnut about real estate that it all boils down to “location, location, location,” but that’s an oversimplification. Location is important, but what moves homebuyers’ souls is “views, views, views!”

So how do you design interiors to enhance a view you’ve paid top dollar for? The answer is simple, as in simplicity. To quote the master of modernism, Mies van der Rohe, “less is more.” Never compete with a view, but rather enhance and frame it in the least intrusive way possible.

Vintage classic modernism, source unknown.

But won’t leaving windows bare leave a room cold and stark? The answer is sometimes, yes, so bring the natural view inside with dramatic palms, or fiddleleaf fig trees, to frame and bring life to that million dollar view.

MichaelaScherrer. Photo: Michael Garland

If too much sun is a concern, but you still want to capture the view, sheer draperies are always a simple, yet stunning look. They can also bring in needed softness to hard, modern, architectural features.

Naeem Khan. Photo by Bjorn Wallander for Architectural Digest

Sometimes, the trick to frame a view that is simply too amazing, is to treat it like it’s not amazing at all, like framing the Eiffel Tower with simple, loosely-woven linen panels. “Oh that old thing? We hardly even notice it anymore”, while inside you are secretly pinching yourself that your Paris pied a terre has a view of the Eiffel Tower!

Via Paris Perfect Rentals

In a Ski Chalet bedroom I designed, the view was priceless, but privacy was also a concern, so I used simple pinch-pleat linen curtains hung from a rusticated iron rod, with a lining for privacy and warmth. Again, my goal was simplicity to complement, not compete with, the spectacular view of the slopes beyond.

Beth Lindsey Interior Design

Last, I can’t get these windows out of my head. The key here is the architecture of the custom arched french doors- it doesn’t actually matter what the view is outside, the height and proportions of these windows would make anything spectacular! I am definitely using these magnificent windows as inspiration for an upcoming new ground-up build project. They are perfection, right down to the double-height hardware.

Via Pinterest, source unknown.

For more breathtaking windows and views, please visit my “Room With A View” Pinterest board - I think you’ll find lots of inspiration!